Discover Mesopotamia

starting from$660
  • Turkey Tour

Explore Southeastern Anatolia’s rich history and culture with this two-day itinerary. Day 1 includes visits to Mount Nemrut for its colossal statues and sunrise views, the ancient city of Arsemia, the Karakuş Tumulus, and the Roman Septimius Severus Bridge. On Day 2, witness the monumental Atatürk Dam on the River Euphrates, explore the ancient Göbeklitepe temple complex, and conclude in Urfa’s historic Old Town with its narrow streets, mosques, and bazaars.


Overview

  • Visit Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO Heritage Site with the mausoleum of Antiochus I and a syncretic pantheon of gods.
  • Explore Arsemia, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Commagene, with its monumental statues and historical inscriptions.
  • Discover the Karakuş Tumulus, a significant Hellenistic site featuring a royal mausoleum and unique reliefs.
  • Marvel at the Septimus Severus Bridge, an 1800-year-old Roman engineering marvel.
  • Witness the grand Atatürk Dam on the Euphrates River, supporting energy production and agriculture.
  • Visit Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple complex, revealing early religious and social interactions.
  • Enjoy authentic local cuisine in Şanlıurfa, including Lahmacun, Çiğköfte, and various kebabs.
  • Experience the old town of Şanlıurfa, with its sacred Balıkgöl and the traditional Bakırcılar Çarşı bazaar.

Full Description

Explore the rich tapestry of history and culture in Southeastern Anatolia with this comprehensive two-day itinerary. From ancient archaeological marvels to modern engineering feats, immerse yourself in the region's diverse tangible and intangible heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Day 1 begins with a visit to Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colossal statues and stunning sunrise views. Delve into the ancient city of Arsemia, where remnants of the Kommagene Kingdom await your discovery. Journey onward to the enigmatic Karakuş Tumulus and marvel at the architectural masterpiece of the Roman Empire at the Septimius Severus Bridge. Day 2 takes you to witness the monumental Atatürk Dam which is located on the legendary River Euphrates, a symbol of Turkey's engineering prowess and a vital source of hydroelectric power. Explore Göbeklitepe, the oldest known temple complex in the world, where history unfolds amidst its mysterious T-shaped pillars. Conclude your journey in the atmospheric Old Town of Urfa, where narrow streets, historic mosques, and vibrant bazaars offer a glimpse into daily life in this ancient city. Throughout this tour, knowledgeable guides will illuminate each site's significance, providing insights into Anatolia's rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you're captivated by ancient ruins, intrigued by archaeological discoveries, or simply in awe of natural wonders, this itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of Southeastern Anatolia's timeless allure.


Tour Plan

Day 1

Upon your arrival at Adıyaman Airport, the tour guide welcomes you and the tour begins with a visit to Mount Nemrut.

Mount Nemrut

Nemrut is one of the earliest UNESCO Heritage Sites in Turkey. Mount Nemrut is the mausoleum of Antiochus I (69–34 B.C.), who ruled over Commagene, a kingdom founded north of Syria and the Euphrates River following the dissolution of Alexander's empire. It stands as one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period. The syncretism within its pantheon of gods and its kings' lineage, traced through Greek and Persian legends, provide evidence of the dual origins of this kingdom's culture.

Arsemia

The dive into a true multicultural kingdom of ancient times continues with Arsemia. Known as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene, Arsemia is one of the most important centers of antiquity in Mesopotamia. Discover the magnificent stone reliefs and colossal tomb monuments in this ancient city, including the monumental statues and inscriptions of King Antiochus I.

After the visit to Arsemia lunch will be served in a countryside restaurant offering the authentic food called “sac kavurma” diced lamb fried on iron plate.

Karakuş Tumulus

The tour's next stop is the Karakuş Tumulus, a royal mausoleum of the Commagene Kingdom. The Karakuş Tumulus, dating back 2,000 years, is a significant site of Hellenistic culture in Mesopotamia. It features a relief depicting the handshake between Laodice, the sister of King Mithridates II, both children of King Antiochus I of the Kingdom of Commagene.

Septemus Severus Bridge

Day 1 of the itinerary ends with Septemus Severus Bridge aka Cendere Bridge. The historical beauty and engineering marvel of the Cendere Bridge will captivate you! Built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, this ancient bridge connects the capital of the Kingdom of Commagene to the ancient road network. This impressive structure, standing strong for 1800 years, defies the passage of time. Rising over the Cendere River, the magnificent bridge is one of the finest examples of Roman-era architecture. Set out to discover this stunning structure where history and natural beauty converge!

At the end of the day, you will be transferred to your hotel in Adıyaman.

Day 2

Day 2 starts with a one-hour drive to Atatürk Dam.

Ataturk Dam

You'll be mesmerized by the grand structure and immense power of the Atatürk Dam! Situated on the Euphrates River, a vital ancient lifeline mentioned in historical sources, the Atatürk Dam ranks among Turkey's largest and the world's notable dams. The Euphrates, long revered as the cradle of civilizations in Mesopotamia, has been crucial for agriculture and settlement for millennia, shaping cultural development. This modern engineering marvel not only generates significant energy but also supports agriculture. Embark on a journey to explore this region, rich in history and natural wonders!
From Atatürk Dam tour arrives in Gobeklitepe. Driving takes 1:30 hours.

Gobeklitepe

Göbeklitepe, located in southeastern Turkey, is the world's oldest known temple complex. This ancient site, dating back tens of thousands of years, predates the Neolithic Revolution and marks the beginning of human history with its mysterious past. The craftsmanship and detailed carvings at Göbeklitepe are astonishing, showcasing the advanced technology of its time. Built before the Neolithic Revolution, it stands as a significant archaeological discovery revealing early religious and social interactions of ancient civilizations. Exploring Göbeklitepe offers an unforgettable experience, providing new insights into the history of humanity and civilization.

Lunch will be served in one of the authentic restaurants in the city center of Şanlıurfa. Şanlıurfa is renowned for its rich and diverse gastronomy. The city captivates visitors with its traditional flavors and authentic dishes like Lahmacun, Çiğköfte, and diverse types of kebabs including liver kebap, eggplant kebab, and so on. One of the most delicious local specialties is eggplant kebab, prepared by grilling eggplants that are mixed with meat and seasoned with special spices. Another iconic dish is lahmacun, a thin crust topped with minced meat and spices, baked in the oven and typically served with salad and lemon. These culinary delights, such as eggplant kebab and lahmacun, reflect the cultural richness of Şanlıurfa and enhance its gastronomic allure.

Urfa Old town

The old town of Şanlıurfa, known in medieval sources as Edessa, is one of the richest places in Southeast Anatolia in terms of cultural heritage. Adjacent to Balıkgöl, a sacred water source revered by Muslims and believed to be the place where Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, the old town holds profound historical and spiritual significance. Here, you'll also find Bakırcılar Çarşı, one of Turkey's most authentic bazaars, where you can experience the traditional and historical oriental bazaar culture and savor delicious Menengiç Coffee. The bazaar surrounds you with diverse attire from various ethnic groups, Kurds, Turks, Arabs, and Assyrians, offering a glimpse into oriental culture in its entirety.

The tour ends in the old town, and from here you will be transferred to Şanlıurfa Airport.


Inclusions

  • Domestic Flight: Istanbul to Adıyaman
  • Domestic Flight: Şanlıurfa to Istanbul
  • 1 Night Accommodation in 4 or 5-star Hotels
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tours with a Professional Tour Guide, Licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
  • Airport Transfers All Fees and Taxes
  • Breakfast (x2)
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Lunchs
  • Drinks (except the drinks served with breakfast)
  • Gratuities

Notes

This tour can be customized depending on your needs.


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